Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 2
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 2
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Grade code: B8.5.1.1.2
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B8.5.1.1
Indicator code: B8.5.1.1.2
Theme: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Waste management is how we handle, reduce, collect, treat and dispose of waste to protect human health and the environment. In Ghana, poor waste management can lead to choked gutters and flooding, malaria and cholera outbreaks, bad odour, air pollution from burning, and loss of money and jobs that could come from recycling and composting. As JHS learners, you can apply simple, practical actions at home, school and in the community to manage waste properly.
2.1 Meaning of Waste Waste is any material that is unwanted, unused, or discarded after use. Examples in Ghanaian settings: sachet water rubbers, plantain peels, broken buckets, old exercise books, used batteries, empty tin tomatoes, plastic bottles. 2.2 Waste Management (Definition) Waste management is the systematic process of: Preventing or reducing waste generation, Separating (segregating) waste at source, Collecting and storing waste safely, Transporting waste, Treating waste (recycling, composting, incineration, etc.), Disposing waste safely (sanitary landfill, controlled dumpsite). 2.3 Why Proper Waste Management Matters (Ghana Context) Health: Reduces breeding of mosquitoes and flies → less malaria, typhoid, cholera. Environment: Prevents pollution of rivers/streams (e.g., Odaw), protects soil and animals. Flood prevention: Prevents choked gutters and flooding during rains. Safety: Prevents injuries from broken bottles, needles, sharp metals. Economic benefits: Recycling and composting can create jobs and reduce cost of raw materials. Good school/community image: Clean surroundings support learning and tourism. 2.4 Types of Waste (With Ghanaian Examples) (A) By ability to decompose Biodegradable waste: Can rot/decompose naturally by microorganisms. Examples: food leftovers, orange peels, garden leaves, paper (not plastic-coated), wood shavings. Non-biodegradable waste: Does not rot easily; stays long in the environment. Examples: plastics (sachet rubbers), glass bottles, metals, Styrofoam, polythene bags. (B) By risk level Hazardous waste: Can harm people/environment if not handled well. Examples: used batteries, expired medicines, pesticide containers, broken fluorescent bulbs, used needles (clinic waste), e-waste (old phones). Non-hazardous waste: Less dangerous but still needs proper management. Examples: food waste, paper, plastics, cans.
> Important: Some waste can be both non-biodegradable and hazardous (e.g., batteries, e-waste). 2.5 Waste Segregation (Separation at Source) Segregation means sorting waste into different groups where it is produced (classroom, home, canteen). Why segregation is key: Makes recycling easier and cheaper. Reduces smell and pests. Prevents hazardous waste from mixing with food waste. Improves safety for waste handlers.
Simple school segregation system (example): Green bin: Biodegradable (food, leaves) → compost pit. Blue bin: Recyclables (plastic bottles, cans, paper) → recycling collector/junk dealer. Red container: Hazardous (batteries, broken bulbs) → stored safely for proper disposal. 2.6 The 5Rs (Practical Waste Management Actions) Refuse: Say no to unnecessary items (extra polythene bags, single-use plastics). Reduce: Use less (carry water in a bottle, print on both sides). Reuse: Use items again (use jars as storage, use paper as rough work). Repair: Fix broken items (bags, sandals, chairs) instead of throwing away. Recycle: Convert waste into new products (plastic recycling, paper recycling).
> Note: Composting is a form of recycling for biodegradable waste. 2.7 Composting (Simple Explanation + Steps) Composting is turning biodegradable waste into manure (compost) for farming/gardening.